2022 marks Lyra's celebration of 10 years of children and young people creating extraordinary art in Craigmillar

​

As part of the 2022 Craigmillar and Niddrie Community Festival Lyra held two birthday parties on Sunday 14th August 2022.

In advance, Lyra’s Artistic Director Jo Timmins led practical workshops with regular Lyra participants where she asked them to imagine Lyra as a creature [see panel] to help develop a creative brief for the event. This gave designer Katy Wilson her inspiration for the design of the parties including giant bunting, a shimmering backdrop and rainbow picnic rugs. Guests entered through a balloon arch, received a special party wristband and were invited to dress up and design their own face paint. The parties were a chance for children aged 5+ and their families to come together, celebrate and join in.

​

Entertainment was provided by Rob Heaslip Dance's Strawboys a 25-minute vibrant and energetic outdoor pop-up performance, blurring the lines between traditional and contemporary dance and music. Live music was provided by Sprog Rock a ‘rock’ band for children featuring quirky songs, wacky costumes and chances for everyone to join in with the singing or even offer up a joke on the microphone. Lyra's Facilitators and Youth Arts Workers led everyone in dance, craft and arts activities. Lyra’s Culture Crew of teenagers ran a free healthy juice bar and Verity Sinclair baked and iced some incredible cakes that were shared with everyone. We even survived a quick rain shower!

​

Thanks to City of Edinburgh Council Community Grant Fund for supporting the parties